It’s a story that can’t and shouldn’t be avoided. But White and a Team USA media rep did their best to do just that after “the Flying Tomato” threw down a legendary final run on the snowboard halfpipe.

At a news conference later in the day, White was asked about the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by Lena Zawaideh, the former drummer in his band. (The suit was settled last year.) Specifically, White was asked whether he thought it would tarnish his legacy.

“You know, honestly, here to talk about the Olympics, not gossip,” he responded. “But I don’t think so. I am who I am. And I’m proud of who I am. My friends love me and vouch for me, and I think that stands on its own.”

The same reporter followed up on White’s answer: “So you’re saying the allegations against you are gossip?” he asked.

But the Team USA media rep, seemingly at White’s cue, shut down the second question, saying, “I think we’re here to talk about the gold medal and the amazing day we had today. Thank you. So if we don’t have another question, why don’t we go ahead and pass the mic.”

The reporter pressed again, arguing that the allegations should be addressed. This time, White chimed in again: “I feel like I addressed it.”

Shaun White speaks during a news conference at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. (Getty)

They moved on to the next question. That next question, though, was also going to be about the harassment lawsuit, so they moved on again. White took less than 10 questions, and roughly half of them were from the Team USA rep.

According to those in attendance, several female reporters, including USA Today’s Christine Brennan, had their hands raised to ask questions, but none were called on.

Shaun White just called the awful allegations against him “gossip” in a press conference where no woman journalist was called upon even though several, including me, had their hand up the entire time. #MeToo